News

Golden bearhug for home of golf

JACK NICKLAUS, the golfer, has moved to defuse a row over a refusal by St Andrews to make him an honorary freeman of the town.

The winner of a record 18 major titles has revealed that he bears no ill will against the community councillors who voted against making him an honorary citizen.

The 65-year-old American is due to make his final appearance in the Open Championship later this year at the Old Course, where he won two of his three Open titles, in 1970 and 1978.

“Golden Bear” has already been made an honorary member of St Andrews golf club, awarded an honorary doctorate by St Andrews University and invited to become one of the few honorary members of the Royal and Ancient golf club. However, the decision not to make Nicklaus an honorary citizen has provoked criticism from leading sportsmen and politicians. The decision was even condemned in